If there’s one thing we love here in Maine, it’s the outdoors. We love it so much that we’re out there in every season, taking advantage of everything nature has to offer. What many people don’t realize is that Maine is a haven for mountain lovers. And while they’re definitely not the biggest around, they’re right up there in terms of beauty, offering some absolutely breathtaking views – of sparkling lakes, sweeping mountain ranges and even the ocean! So put on your hiking boots (or strap on some snowshoes) and let’s take in the view from of some of our most picturesque peaks.
- South Turner Mountain, Baxter State Park
Crooked River Tiny House Elevation: 3,110’. The problem with going to the top of the Empire State Building is that you don’t get a view of the Empire State Building. The same goes for climbing Katahdin. That’s why we think the best view in Baxter State Park is from the top of South Turner.
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley
Jack Heddon / Flickr Elevation: 4,249’. A high-speed lift ride up the state’s second highest peak (and biggest ski mountain) will give you a stunning 360º panorama of Maine’s Western mountains.
- Caribou Mountain, Evans Notch
Paul VanDerWef / Flickr Elevation: 3,648’. This challenging trek near the Canadian border is well worth the reward at the end: a grand view of the majestic White Mountains.
- Saddleback Mountain, Sandy River Plantation
Jack Flanagan / Flickr Elevation: 4,121’. Once one of Maine’s favorite ski destinations, this Rangeley-area mountain has seen some troubled times as of late. Currently closed, a group of skiers and business owners are attempting to raise enough money to purchase it. It’s unlikely that Saddleback will reopen this season, but its dramatic views of Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes are free for intrepid hikers and snowshoers to enjoy.
- The Beehive, Acadia National Park
Abhishek Srivastava / Flickr Elevation: 540’. What it lacks in height, Beehive Mountain makes up for in the sheer thrill of getting to the top. The way to the summit will see you skirting narrow ledges and climbing iron-wrung ladders on its exposed cliffs. It’s all worth it for the stunning view of Acadia’s famous Sand Beach.
- North Bubble Mountain, Acadia National Park
Dennis Grice / Flickr Elevation: 872’. Everybody always talks about Cadillac Mountain, and for good reason. But we think Acadia’s smaller (and less crowded) mountains are just as great. The moderate hike up North Bubble will put you above Jordan Pond, as the rest of Acadia stretches out as far as the eye can see.
- Shawnee Peak, Bridgton
Ted Lester / Flickr Elevation: 1,300’. Located at the Northern end of Pleasant Mountain, the trip up Shawnee is top-to-bottom beautiful. Pro tip: you can score a lift ticket for under $30 on Sundays between 12 and 4pm.
- Table Rock, Grafton Notch State Park
Crooked River Tiny House Elevation: 1,400’. Fairly short, but very rugged, this hike will have you ambling along the iconic Appalachian Trail, boulder-hopping and squeezing through slab caves before you arrive at the open ledge of Table Rack. Not a summit, but a vista point on Baldpate Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a grand view of the full expanse of Grafton Notch, including Old Speck Mountain.
- Mount Tire’m, Waterford
Crooked River Tiny House Elevation: 1,060’. Despite its name, Mount Tire’m, in the Oxford Hills region of Western Maine, isn’t all that strenuous. You should have plenty of gas left in your tank to enjoy the sweeping views of Bear Pond and a distant Long Lake from the summit.
- Tumbledown Mountain, Weld
Noah Meyerhans / Flickr
Noah Meyerhans / Flickr Elevation: 3,054’. One of Maine’s more famous hiking spots, Tumbledown’s most distinctive feature is its alpine pond that sits just below the summit, about half a mile in the sky.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what you can see from the sky in Maine. Are you brave enough to tackle any of these mountains in the middle of winter? We’d love to hear about your favorite mountain vistas!
Crooked River Tiny House
Elevation: 3,110’. The problem with going to the top of the Empire State Building is that you don’t get a view of the Empire State Building. The same goes for climbing Katahdin. That’s why we think the best view in Baxter State Park is from the top of South Turner.
Jack Heddon / Flickr
Elevation: 4,249’. A high-speed lift ride up the state’s second highest peak (and biggest ski mountain) will give you a stunning 360º panorama of Maine’s Western mountains.
Paul VanDerWef / Flickr
Elevation: 3,648’. This challenging trek near the Canadian border is well worth the reward at the end: a grand view of the majestic White Mountains.
Jack Flanagan / Flickr
Elevation: 4,121’. Once one of Maine’s favorite ski destinations, this Rangeley-area mountain has seen some troubled times as of late. Currently closed, a group of skiers and business owners are attempting to raise enough money to purchase it. It’s unlikely that Saddleback will reopen this season, but its dramatic views of Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes are free for intrepid hikers and snowshoers to enjoy.
Abhishek Srivastava / Flickr
Elevation: 540’. What it lacks in height, Beehive Mountain makes up for in the sheer thrill of getting to the top. The way to the summit will see you skirting narrow ledges and climbing iron-wrung ladders on its exposed cliffs. It’s all worth it for the stunning view of Acadia’s famous Sand Beach.
Dennis Grice / Flickr
Elevation: 872’. Everybody always talks about Cadillac Mountain, and for good reason. But we think Acadia’s smaller (and less crowded) mountains are just as great. The moderate hike up North Bubble will put you above Jordan Pond, as the rest of Acadia stretches out as far as the eye can see.
Ted Lester / Flickr
Elevation: 1,300’. Located at the Northern end of Pleasant Mountain, the trip up Shawnee is top-to-bottom beautiful. Pro tip: you can score a lift ticket for under $30 on Sundays between 12 and 4pm.
Elevation: 1,400’. Fairly short, but very rugged, this hike will have you ambling along the iconic Appalachian Trail, boulder-hopping and squeezing through slab caves before you arrive at the open ledge of Table Rack. Not a summit, but a vista point on Baldpate Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a grand view of the full expanse of Grafton Notch, including Old Speck Mountain.
Elevation: 1,060’. Despite its name, Mount Tire’m, in the Oxford Hills region of Western Maine, isn’t all that strenuous. You should have plenty of gas left in your tank to enjoy the sweeping views of Bear Pond and a distant Long Lake from the summit.
Noah Meyerhans / Flickr
Elevation: 3,054’. One of Maine’s more famous hiking spots, Tumbledown’s most distinctive feature is its alpine pond that sits just below the summit, about half a mile in the sky.
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